I Remain

The fire lashes at me  

I know I can’t be hurt  

Some live, some die 

It's all over, it's gone  

The place is war when trees scream. 

I remain  

I always remain 

The fire tries again 

It misses, but for how much longer? 

I can’t stand this 

Same time every year,  

Always the same.  

Some trees remain, others not 

My branches are bare 

We were not ready this year.  

The place has gone quiet  

The fire is gone.  

5 remain,  

I remain.